This morning the British Olympic Association (BOA) announced the twenty-one athletes selected to represent Team GB in the inaugural World Beach Games in Doha, Qatar.
Team GB will compete across seven disciplines at Doha 2019, as 97 countries, from all five continents, come together for the Association of National Olympic Committees’ (ANOC) first ever World Beach Games from October 12th – 16th this year.
Our attention will mainly be focused on women’s beach soccer competition. Coach, Perry Northeast, has selected a team with lots of experience on sand with the Lionesses side, although all are also pretty handy on grass as well.
The squad consists of Gemma-Louise Hillier and former Yeovil captain and current London City Lioness, Hannah Short. Portsmouth pair, Hannah Haughton and Katie James. Former Chichester City players, Molly Clark, Rebecca Baron and Nadine Bazan.
Completing the squad is captain, Sarah Kempson, Wendy Martin and Keynsham Town’s goalkeeper Charlotte Haynes.
Gemma Hillier said: “From as early as I can remember my dream has always been to play at a World Cup or compete in the Olympics. At the age of 32 there are no words to describe the feeling of knowing I am going to be compete for Team GB at the World Beach Games.
“When I got the call to say I had been selected it was the proudest moment of my life so far. The sacrifices that the team and I have made over the years to get this opportunity have all been worth it.
“I have been a European national and club beach soccer champion, won championships in four different countries, but competing at the World Beach Games will be the pinnacle of my sporting career so far. Hopefully by being part of the World Beach Games will be a final stepping stone for beach soccer to be in the Olympics.”
Keep an eye out on our social media to find out more about the competition as it approaches. In the meantime, click here to you can read our interview with Gemma from last summer.